Cracks on the deck

[chris]

Went out to get my H140 cleaned up to take out this spring, only to find a huge crack on the front deck, starting where the screw is inserted for the carry pouch, and running about 12 inches across the deck! Anyone else experience this type of cracking? This is a fairly new boat, less than 1 year old. I plan to call Hunter this morning, but at this point, I am not a happy sailer...

 

[Michael Stuart]

Not cracked up

I have a 170. My first 170 developed a crack over the winter -- on front deck at top along side, from bow to left stay. I brought the boat back to JY, the manufacturer. They were concerned and replaced the hull. Very admirable. I have a feeling that water collects somewhere, freezes in the winter, thaws and cracks the hull. That would have explained my crack, I don't know about yours. The 170 was not designed to properly runoff all water. I still see water collect at the aft where the top and bottom hull pieces meet. There should be drain holes everywhere, like on large cruising boats.

 

[Renier Scheening]

Cracks!!!

My first H170 had a crack develope at the mast support and Hunter replaced the hull. These boats are both made of the same material and it seems that cracks like to start at screw holes. Maybe they need to make the material thicker who knows? Call Hunter to replace your hull.

 

[Edward L Smith]

I also Have Cracks in 170

They are on the seat and are not much of a problem. Dave Eck at JY told me to immediatly drill a 1/8" hole at each end of the crack to stop the crack enlarging. He sent me a Plexus Kit and instructions on repairing ACP. You will want sandpaper grit 220, 800, 1200 and 1500. 220 is prep work and 1500 is to polish. Use of power tools is good, such as the Dremmel tool to open the crack and form a "U" opening to hold the Plexus. It cures in about 45 minutes and then recoat after prep with 220 grit. Plexus is yellow so you may need to use white paint and the instruction manual will reccomend one for that. If the crack is in a spot that is functional such as others have mentioned, Then JY has been very good about replacing the Hull. I sent pictures to dealer and he forwarded to Dave. Dave then contacted me regarding the repairs. I am learning some more about sailing.Fair Winds and Following Seas.